Ranbir takes on the turban

After two back-to-back hits, Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (APKGK), Ranbir Kapoor is being touted as the next big thing in Bollywood. The current heartthrob is hoping to score a triple whammy with his latest release - Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year. Apart from his rocketing career, Kapoor's love life with girlfriend Deepika Padukone has also won him constant attention. Now, a turban in place, he gets talking about his success, films and heroines.

Did you expect Wake Up Sid and APKGK to be such successes?

With Wake Up Sid, we were catering to a limited urban audience and I'm glad the film connected. But I didn't expect APKGK to do so well at the box office. Nevertheless, I am happy with its success. Now I've moved on to my current film Rocket Singh, which I hope will evoke similar positive responses.

What was your reaction when you were asked to play a Sikh character and how did prepare for it?

Honestly it was the film's story and the opportunity of working with the talented team of Aditya Chopra (producer), Shimit Amin (director) and Jaideep Sahni (writer) that excited me more than playing a Sikh character. I look at it as playing an interesting male protagonist who happens to be a Sardar. My family, however, was super excited about the turban act as my mother and maternal grandmother are Sardarnis and I was fulfilling their wish of playing a Sardar. It took me five weeks to grow my beard and we worked on the fabric, length and colour of the turban as well.

Did you identify with your character of a salesman working in the corporate world?

Absolutely! I did associate with the character [Harpeet Singh], who is a young graduate from Mumbai and represents guys who are consumed by the desire for a brighter future. But I have to admit that the corporate world was alien to me and I was asked by Shimit to visit a few offices and watch DVDs of how an office runs to understand the story better.

So after playing a salesman in the film, what essential qualities do you believe a salesman should possess to succeed?

I think it's the honesty and integrity of the salesman which is more important than getting an order and achieving a sales target. In fact, I believe if you possess these qualities, success will follow you in any field.

How was the experience of being directed by Amin of Chak De India fame?

Firstly, I think Shimit is one of the finest human beings I've met. And as a director he is extremely talented. He has the right sensibilities and gives sufficient space for the actor to work on a scene. It was a humbling experience to work with him.

What was your chemistry like with the film's two heroines - Gauhar Khan and Shazahn Padamsee?

Rocket Singh isn't a love story, so it doesn't primarily deal with any romantic chemistry. Overall, it's a young, talented team, who are passionate about their work. In fact, working with them has been so infectious that it drove me to give my best for the film.

You cannot deny that you have struck an amazing on-screen chemistry with Katrina Kaif in APKGK…

Yes, we hit it off instantly and it shows on-screen. Both of us believe in hard work and are committed to our profession, so we tend to complement each other.

What is the status of Rajneeti, your next film with Kaif? Any other projects?

Rajneeti is almost complete and the film should be out in May. The film is different from what Katrina and I did in APKGK. Currently, I'm shooting for Sajid Nadiadwala's Anjana Anjani with Priyanka Chopra.

Finally, are you perturbed about comparisons with your dad (Rishi Kapoor), who played an endearing Sardar in Love Aaj Kal?

I can't compare myself to my father, whose career spans 30 illustrious years. He is one of the finest actors and any thought of comparison is blasphemy to me.